Well i can only say from personal experience as well. And i don't think you can judge all motors with a broad question... " best ever made " it just doesn't make sense. Missed so many motors in your post Ford 289 , 428 Olds 455 and Ford in line 6 just to name a few . Im not a fan of this pole , but, maybe im no seeing it in the right way.

As a Ford guy I have to say it's tough. Look at what all the manufacturers were capable of doing and what they stuck us with are 2 different things. All listed have there good points and bad. I don't honestly think I could pick one out fairly. Look at the Caddy motor...500 cu.in in a package that weighs slightly more then a SBC and a whole lot less then a BBC, where's this one???

I say smallblock chevy, it may not be the best design ever, 'cause everyone's had 50 years to do better. But it was the first in a lot of ways, 1st to 1HPper cube, most famous, most widely produced, I bet it was the first smallblock to hit 1500 horse, First production pushrod N/A V8 to 500 advertized HP, It also has the most widely avalible combinations for anyone and everyones need, it's hands down the most swapped-into-other-vehicles engine ever, and I think that last 1 say's it right there.

How could I not pick the venerable FE? technically it's not the best engineered, but in the 427 cammer configuration it's scary! useable in totally stock variations from 332 truck to 428 SCJ, HP ratings from 180 to 500+ with the OHC. Now about that massive intake manifold and chronically leaky timing cover........

I wondered if anyone would mention the Caddy Northstar 69er! It's probably the "best" as far as high tech, power for size (naturally aspirated), and reliability are concerned.

I think 454me has the right idea though -- all the manufacturers have good qualities that when/if mixed would create the perfect engine for most applications, but there would still be exceptions.

I really like Driven's choice though -- the AMC six. He specifically mentions the 4.0L, but that design came out in mid 1964 as a 232 and progressed to be destroked to 199 in 66 (199 and 232 made at the same time), 258 in 71 (232 and 258 made at same time), then back down to the 243 (4.0L) MPI model in 1987 (w/the 258 carbed engine continuing through 1990). Blocks are basically the same for all, with a few minor changes for the 4.0L. I'm running a 4.6L (280 inch) version in my 63 Classic wagon (see my album). I got the jump on some kid in a late 80s 350 powered Camaro just a couple days ago. Looked over at my Rambler wagon and turned his nose up! I little rev at the light and it was on! I was a car length ahead of him up to around 90 mph and around 3/16 of a mile when I decided I'd proved the wagon and it wasn't worth an expensive ticket, so I switched to OD and let off. He zoomed on by and was pleased that he "out ran me". I'm assuming it was a 350, could have been a slightly warmed up 305. I wouldn't think anyone with a 305 would challenge something that looked like it had been hot rodded a bit though. Probably assumed I had a 350 SBC anyway. Would have loved to have shown him the 280 IN-LINE SIX that jumped him!

Can you tell I'm an AMC fan? So I'll say the late AMC V-8 is probably the best, especially the 390 and 401. AMC engineers took the best from a lot of engines when they designed it. The only reason I mention the 390/401 is that they had forged cranks and rods from the factory due to the long stroke. Unlike the "big three", AMC didn't want there big "small block" throwing rods at high rpm. The AMC is sized more or less like a small block, but has big block size bore centers. This makes for a larger bore and more water jacket room, but the main reason was so that the boring equipment for the old first generation "Rambler" V-8 could be retained. The only thing I don't particularly like is the Buick style oil pump. An aluminum oil pump body is one thing if it's replaceable, but made into the timing cover with the only choice to replace the whole $300 assembly when the cavity is worn isn't my idea of a good design. It will last the life of an average car (100K, +/-20K) though, and much more if taken better care of.

first for what use. industrial use the y block ford was king hear in bc canada, they powered every thing frome fork lifts, lumber carriers, marine engines, buses pickups in the logging industry, ford of canada even made spesial heads for lumber carriers with sodiem cooled valves and forged cranks so front ptos could be used. until the lat 70s gm or chrysler had nothing to compare some hehy chryslers wer close but had cronic crank failures. for cars well thats a new game my vote would be 427 ford but they wert that plentifull

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